The Bit Role (500 words)

There was an office drama to be performed on New Year's Eve. Vijay did not wish to take part but was compelled by peer pressure to accept a bit role. He relented for a part that had no dialogue. As a passer-by on the road, he was to faint and fall on the platform abruptly. That called for no histrionic skill but only the ability to fall naturally. With regular practice, he accomplished it with finesse in the day’s rehearsal during lunch interval.

He suddenly remembered that he was to withdraw 50 thousand rupees and rushed to the bank nearby. It was moderately crowded. As he was writing the cheque on the tall desk, he observed one lanky guy with a Hitler moustache watching him from a corner. Neither did he like the man’s creepy look nor his slouching figure with a cigarette in hand in a NO SMOKING area.

 He turned his face away from him and was waiting for his number to be called. The guy came surreptitiously and sat in the adjacent chair. There were a few people near the teller. As Vijay approached the teller on his number appearing on the board, he saw the man also following him. But he ignored him till he felt a metallic thing press his hip after he pocketed the money he received. The ruffian whispered in his ears, “Walk normally towards the gate if you don’t wish to get hurt”

Vijay glanced around and saw people minding their own business, filling forms, depositing money, receiving cash or just waiting for numbers to appear. The crook nudged him asking him to move forward quickly. He seemed ruthless with a scar across his cheek confirming his criminal past but nobody seemed to watch Vijay being herded by the crook.

He started perspiring heavily as the nudge became a shove. Suddenly the idea hit him- the rehearsal. The next moment he crumbled like a pie by fainting on the floor with a resounding thud. Everyone turned towards him and rushed around him forming a circle, feeling him and gently nudging him. Someone sprinkled water on his face from a bottle. The crook moved away sensing the inopportune situation. The anxious people heaved a sigh of relief when Vijay opened his eyes. He looked around to find the crook no more in the vicinity.

He sat up and said” Thank you all. I think it was a sudden blackout. I am fit to go. Can a couple of you kindly escort me to my vehicle?”

As he sat at the wheel, he told the kind-hearted gentlemen, “Do not worry. I am fully fit and can drive safely. Thanks a bunch for the support.’

As he drove away, Vijay couldn’t help but chuckle. Who knew his bit role in the office drama would turn out to be such a lifesaver? He felt a surge of gratitude for his realistic act and, for once, didn’t mind the peer pressure that had pushed him into it.

 

 

Valli's Grandpa (1000 words)

Valli hardly 23 was sitting with her beloved grandma Kamalam in the well-maintained lawn with its various green plants and their colourful flowers and vibrant leaves. She cherished such moments with her when she shared all her thoughts and worries with her more freely than with her mom. Grandma was nearing eighty but was in good health.

“Grandma, Valli began, with her brows furrowing in curiosity, "there is one intriguing thing that is bothering me. Why does my mom look so different from the rest of her sisters? My mom is fair with an aquiline nose while all my aunties are dusky with stub noses. It looks as if my mom doesn’t belong to the family” asked Valli.

Kamalam smiled and said, “All fingers are not alike, isn’t it?”

“No, that is evasive and not the right answer. I am not convinced, Grandma”

Smiling again, Kamalam whispered,” I don’t mind letting you into secret if you promise to keep it to yourself. You are 23 and I see no harm in sharing it with you at this stage of my life. You are more of a friend than just a granddaughter.”

Valli snuggled closer and became attentive as Grandma took a deep breath and started narrating with a sigh.

“When I was your age, I loved a handsome man named Dandapani. We were going steady and were careless when we decided to get married. When he learnt that I was pregnant, he developed cold feet and abandoned me. His parents were very rich and soon found a girl for him from an equally rich background. I was shocked and trembled about how to break the news to my parents. But to my great surprise and relief, they were very supportive. I didn’t want to abort the child as it was delayed. Your mom Sundari was born,” said Kamalam.

Valli's eyes widened in disbelief and said “I can never believe, Grandma, that you were such a bold and passionate person in your younger days falling in love with someone and getting into a problem,” 

Nodding her head with a poignant expression, she replied “True, I was foolish. Luckily my dad soon found a very good man in Gunasekar who knew about my past and was willing to marry me. He regarded Sundari as his own daughter. No one knew except my parents, Gunasekar, Sundari and now you.”

“Did you or my mom ever contact the other man? asked Valli.

“No, I did not meet him again. I cut him off from my mind forever. But your mom when she was around 18 or so wanted to meet her bio dad. He was a very big man in business then. She was rebuffed and ridiculed when she met him at his office and she came back heartbroken and crying. That was the last we ever had anything to do with him. Luckily, she had the warmth and total affection of Gunasekar without a trace of any difference from your aunties”

“OK grandma, the secret is safe with me. This has also answered my question but I have decided to confront my bio granddad once and give him a bit of my mind” Valli said

Her face became serious, “Banish such thoughts. He is a heartless and rough man. He may refuse to meet you or throw you out. Don’t ever do such a foolish thing. Your mom also may not like it,” warned Kamalam.

Valli was adamant and got an appointment with Dandapani the next day. Except for grandma, she didn’t tell others.

“Who are you? What is it you wanted to discuss with me in private and urgently on a matter of importance according to you” asked Dandapani in a surly tone from his tall richly upholstered red chair.

” Sir, this is somewhat personal. You must relax and be calm” said Valli.

“Tut, tut, I have no time for small talk. Tell me whatever you wish to say quickly and get lost” roared Dandapani.

“Cool down, Grandpa. I happen to be Kamalam’s granddaughter and you happen to be my bio granddad” said Valli coolly in a soft voice.

For a moment he was flabbergasted at the nerve of this young and bewitchingly beautiful girl. He recovered immediately and said “I neither know any Kamalam nor would like to know about her. I am a happily married man with my own family. Your time is up. Leave.”

Valli made no sign of getting up from her chair. She said,” How can you be so cruel and heartless to disown your daughter Sundari? What was her mistake in your misadventure with Grandma? I have come here to point out, not at the behest of anyone, but of my own volition. your insensitiveness,”

He stood up pressing the bell and a messenger entered the room.” Take this woman out and see she is not allowed to enter the office anymore,” he said brusquely.

Valli could not suppress her tears at his callous and unfeeling manner and came out crying to the lounge even as many eyes stared at her. She felt then an arm entwining her gently and drawing her close to him. 

She turned to see her grandpa Gunasekar caressing her hair and saying in a loving tone “Valli darling, if you had asked me, I would have forbidden you from coming here. Kamalam told me just in time for me to be here. Why do you look to strangers when I am there for you as grandpa? Am I not giving you my total affection?”  The tears of anger and disappointment in Valli gave way to tears of immense joy.

“One minute, Grandpa,” she said as she ran to a spittoon and spat with all her force.” Let us celebrate this moment in Nirula’s with ice cream. You are the world's best grandpa. You have opened my eyes to what true love and affection are. I am proud to be your granddaughter, “even as she hugged her frail and bent grandpa.

 

 

The Perilous Walk (746 words)

              (Please write your name under the comment if you post anonymously)                                       

The weather in this East Coast city is always pleasant and ideal for a walk at any time of the day. The well-kept pathways wind through undulating roads. Despite the salubrious climate, there were not many who walked regularly, save an occasional old lady with her dog or a stray young couple jogging along.

 I always took the pathway that ran along the main road. In my usual route, there was one place where the pathway forked with one of them taking the walkers through a heavy thicket almost forest-like on both sides. The semi-circular path eventually joined the main road. Once you are on that narrow path you never know what lies beyond the bushes and how far the forest extends.

My grandson used to scare me that coyotes are generally seen though a big bear had appeared once from the forest on the main road. I therefore avoided going through that usually deserted way though the young boy would plead with me to take that route and even succeeded once in taking me along with him on this trail. Despite being longer and rugged, it was cool and quiet except for the chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves and the distant sound of flowing water possibly through some creek inside the greenery.

It was one fateful weekday when I cast aside the usual caution and in a fit of bravado ventured alone  into that route. Everything went fine till I went deep into that narrow pathway that was partially hidden from sunlight. Suddenly, there appeared, a little away, two rattlesnakes intertwined in the middle of the path. I knew they were venomous from the rattling sound that emanated from their tails. I stopped abruptly wanting to turn back and rush to the open space. Though the vipers did not slither towards me, they were watching my every move. I stood still almost petrified afraid of provoking them to attack me. A few minutes passed by and they showed no inclination to disappear into the shrub but remained where they were watching me through their sharp glistening eyes.

Just then I heard the shuffling of feet behind me. Wondering whether it could be some joggers, I turned to see to my great horror a large bear with stocky legs, dark and shaggy hair and a dirty wet snout, ambling towards me. With danger from both sides and with no exit sideways, I was paralysed with fear. My throat went dry, my limbs numb, and the sweat drenched my clothes. It was my bad luck I had left my cell phone on the dining table. The bear was closing in and its angry snorts made no secret of its violent intentions.

As I stood frozen in fear, something pulled me inside the shrubbery away from the road. Strangely I could see no one around making me confused. It was scary but the thought that I had escaped from the poisonous snakes and the terrifying bear gave me a momentary relief.

 I had a glimpse of the stream with gurgling water for a moment before I noticed to my utter shock two crocodiles slowly crawling towards me. I moved backwards with my body coming into contact with the thick foliage when I felt a hand press my shoulders. Slightly relieved I turned to see again to my great horror a pair of bony hands clasping my neck. There was an eerie laughter that sent a chill in my spine and the last I remember was the scream I let out before fainting.

I heard indistinct voices and several hands gently shaking me when I opened my eyes in the large lounge of the North Shore Mall. There were anxious eyes on me and I was blinking awkwardly. It was then my grandson and daughter came running from the nearby Apple store and asked me with great worry “What happened, Appa? Are you ok? You declined to come with us preferring the lounge to watch the jungle picture on the TV. Why did you scream?”

When I kept quiet, someone who was sitting by my side said “He was uttering something about snakes, crocodiles and bears. Maybe he dozed away while seeing the jungle picture”

There were peals of laughter to the chagrin of my grandson and the embarrassment of my daughter. On our way back home in the car, my grandson said emphatically to my daughter “Mom, I will no longer accompany Grandpa to the mall”

(I visited North Shore Mall recently and remembered this old and scary story written more than a decade back. It may be new for many of my current readers and a repeat thrill to the long-time patrons)

 

An unexpected visitor (666 words)

 

"Deepa’s parents had been busy since morning, preparing the house for a visit. The maid had spruced up the place, changing curtains and sofa covers, vacuuming the carpet, and wiping the photo frames. Her dad brought fresh flowers, while her mom bustled in the kitchen making sweets and snacks. They had also bought some Bengali sweets from a nearby stall. One of the prospective bridegroom’s parents had informed them they would arrive after 3 PM to see Deepa.

"Deepa took the day off work, starting her morning with a relaxing facial at the beauty parlour. After a refreshing shower, she carefully draped herself in a delicate, saffron silk sari, adorning herself with matching jewellery, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

"When it was nearing three, her dad sprayed lavender air freshener in the hall. The aroma of a sandalwood incense stick wafted from the puja room, mingling with the fragrance of jasmine in the air.

There was a short, hesitant buzz at the door. Her dad rushed to open it and found a young man in a blue-striped shirt and charcoal grey pants. He looked tall, handsome, and muscular. He smiled and asked, “Is this Deepa’s place?”

“Yes, yes, please come in and be seated. We were actually waiting for you. Has no one else come with you?” The hall was cool with the air conditioner humming.

“No, it is enough if I meet her. I should have come half an hour earlier but was held up in a meeting,” he said with a smile. Deepa, peeping through a small opening in a window from the adjacent room, noticed his well-aligned sparkling teeth. A cute-looking guy, she thought with some satisfaction.

“I hope you had no difficulty locating the house,” asked Deepa’s dad.

“Not at all. It took just 30 minutes to drive from my office. The ambiance here is good. A bright but cool home you have in sylvan surroundings,” he said.

“Yes, I bought it ten years back,” he replied as Deepa’s mom brought a plate full of snacks and sweets.

“Why all these? Where is Deepa?” the young man asked.

“It is customary. Please have some,” Deepa’s dad said, turning to his wife. “Where is Deepa? Ask her to come. You also come here.”

Deepa came demurely, accompanied by her mother. The young man stood up and folded his hands in greeting to both of them.

When they were seated, he said with a large smile, “Glad I could come today. In fact, I have wanted to see you ever since I heard about you. I could find time only today.”

After some pleasantries, Deepa’s dad stood up and said, “I will leave you alone so you can discuss matters of mutual interest.”

"Just then, Deepa’s dad heard a car pull up outside, the gate creaking open. He rushed to see an elderly couple in traditional attire stepping out, accompanied by a young man with a basket of fruits and flowers. Confusion and alarm crossed his face as he realized another young man was already inside, speaking with Deepa."

He rushed back in, where Deepa and the young man were warming up to each other, and asked, “Who are you, Sir? What brought you here? Why did you want to meet Deepa? I think there has been a mistake.”

“Yes, Sir, I was also wondering at the warm reception. I had a lead that Deepa was planning to take an insurance cover. I had come to meet Deepa regarding that. I am an officer in a multinational insurance company,” he said.

Meanwhile, the elderly couple entered the hall, accompanied by a short man with a pronounced paunch and a peculiar face.

"As Deepa hurriedly started leaving the hall, her face a mix of disappointment and bewilderment, the young man handed her his card with a charming smile. 'Please call me when you’re free, and we can discuss your needs,' he said, adding with a wink, 'Maybe over coffee?'".

"Surely," she said with a smile.

 

 

The stranger’s twitch at the park (600 words))

The park was a pleasant escape, but the stranger on the bench beside me brought an air of unease that I couldn't ignore. The sun was setting and it was slowly getting dark. I was watching a few children play, their laughter mingling with the noise of the traffic on the road, when I noticed him staring at me.

"Sir, if you can spare me some time, I wish to clear a matter of doubt," he said, his grin somewhat unsettling. "I will not take much of your time."

As I had nothing pressing to do, I nodded. "Sure, go ahead."

"Don’t I look like a normal person? People, however, look at me as if I am slightly insane. Even at my office, they terminated my services without any reason. They told my wife the job was open when I became 'normal' again. But I am normal. Can a normal person become normal again, looks funny, isn’t it, Sir?"

His story trickled out, disjointed initially and strange. He was dressed well and spoke fluently, yet his words painted a different picture.

"My wife is beautiful," he continued. "When we walk in the park, everyone stares at her. After they overtake us, the men turn their heads to catch a glimpse of her again. It makes me uneasy and I stare at them or make faces. She says I'm being paranoid, but I'm only protecting her. Am I wrong to get upset if someone looks at her with bad intentions?"

He paused, eyes boring into me, waiting for my response. I nodded for him to continue, feeling a growing unease.

"There were two incidents recently, I must tell you There's a dog in our colony that barks at me always. Strangely it does not bark at others even vendors, delivery boys and strangers. The other day, it wouldn’t stop barking at me, so I threw a stone at it. The stone possibly hit it on the head and the dog died. The neighbours were furious and swearing to complain to the authorities. My wife cried all night. In retrospect, I also felt bad but I could not contain my anger then. This was, however, a small matter compared to what happened today. Are you listening?" he asked with some doubt.

His voice grew softer when I nodded, eyes darting around as if checking for eavesdroppers. "Today, I saw the colony treasurer, my neighbour, talking to my wife in the drawing room. She was laughing, but when I entered, both stopped. I could guess he was interested in her. I felt something take over me. My wife says my left eye twitches when it happens. I blocked his way and accused him of lustful intentions. When he vehemently protested, I hit him with a stool. He escaped with a minor injury. The neighbours were angry and overpowered me, and now they want me out of the colony. My wife was crying again. I became calm again and came here."

He looked at me expectantly and asked “Am I not normal and react like what others would in similar circumstances?"

It was getting dark, and the park was nearly empty. I felt a chill as his left eye began to twitch rather frequently. "I think you are normal nevertheless you should see a doctor soon," I said, standing up quickly.

As his twitching intensified and he looked around for something, I backed away. Fear gripped me, and I ran as fast as possible with the man approaching fast behind me. The disquieting encounter lingered in my mind long after I reached my apartment.

( Readers who post anonymously may leave their names under the comment)

A chance encounter (740 words)

I turned off the TV and looked out of the window. The city beckoned with its crowded streets, speeding cars, and neon-lit buildings. The marquee on the front of the bar and restaurant glittered in changing colours. I saw smartly dressed couples entering the restaurant, chilling out, shaking their legs, and enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

It was cold outside, so I changed into a jacket, dabbed some perfume, took my small computer bag, and stepped out toward the garage. It was an exhilarating feeling to be in the bustling street lined with tall buildings and electronic billboards.

After parking the car, I entered the restaurant and ordered a drink. The place was almost full except for my table. As I sipped the drink slowly, my eyes half-closed, I heard a rustle around me and smelled a gentle fragrance. She was a beauty, tall and lissome, with her long hair falling insouciantly on her beautiful face. A strand of oyster pearls stood out prominently on her long neck.

She seemed hesitant initially, but when I smiled and drew a chair for her, she sat down with a happy smile. When I ordered her an extra drink, she did not protest.

“I am Vivek Sharma and I live in this city. Glad I could meet you. Care to join me for dinner?” I asked.

“I am Subhasree, I was looking for an empty table. Thank you for sharing the table. I am also happy to meet you. I live in the suburbs but work here and frequent this restaurant on weekends.”

We exchanged pleasantries and drank leisurely, watching young couples dance on the floor to the brisk music. When I looked at her meaningfully, she nodded in agreement. I took out my bulging wallet from the back of my pants and put it in the bag before taking her hand to dance. The proximity of the charming lady gave me a strange feeling. We danced as if we had known each other for a long time.

“It is nice dancing with you,” she whispered in my ear, her hair brushing my nose and tickling it.

“Sure, it is. We should make it a habit every weekend. Lucky, I met you,” I said.

We returned to our table and had spring pasta with blistered cherry tomatoes. We rejoiced in our newfound friendship. I gave her my card. She promised to give me a ring when she was free.

"Can you wait for a couple of minutes? I'll drop you wherever you wish to go. Keep an eye on the bag. I'll be back in a jiffy," I said as I rushed to the restroom. There were many waiting ahead of me.

When I returned in a triumphant mood after a slight delay, I was shocked to find the table empty. The woman was nowhere to be seen. Maybe, I wondered, she had also gone to the restroom. How careless of her to leave behind my things. As I turned to check, I saw my jacket on the chair, but the computer bag was missing. I waited a few minutes before calling the waiter to learn she had left.

The bill had not been settled, and the jacket was stripped empty. It then struck me that she had not given her card or details of her whereabouts. The waiter returned to place the folding pad containing the bill.​What a sucker I was to trust an unknown woman and leave the bag with my wallet.

When the Restaurant Manager heard about my predicament corroborated by the waiter, he graciously agreed to my paying the amount the next day even when I offered to return with the money before the restaurant closed.

 I gave up hope of recovering my bag​ and as I ​lay brooding​ over my foolishness, my phone buzzed with an unknown number. Hesitant but curious, I answered.

“Hello?”

“Vivek, it's Subhasree. I’m sorry I had to​ ​​rush urgently ​​to the hospital to see my mother who had developed complications. I ​kept the bag with me to keep it safe​ and left the jacket behind for obvious reasons.  Can we meet at the restaurant at the same time over dinner tomorrow?"

Relief washed over me, as I ​​saw her waiting with the bag at the same table and hopes surging high in me of a romantic turn. Needless to say, the wallet was in the bag.

"Love and hope are twins"- Maria Gowen Brooks

 

The last ride of the day (808 words)

Biren leaned against his yellow Ambassador cab at Howrah station, waiting for the last train from Delhi, which was running late. It was past 11 PM, and he hadn’t had a good day. Most rides were short and didn’t fetch him much. As a principle, he never overcharged, considering it a form of begging. Scrupulously honest, he never tampered with the meter. He had his rules: always take pregnant women, however short or long the distance, avoid drunk men and shady groups, and hope for a foreign tourist or a rich man, though the latter rarely needed a cab.

That morning, his wife Tara reminded him there was no stock of materials to cook, and the children would go hungry the next day without money to buy groceries. Their youngest daughter had fever for two days and needed a doctor. His elder son mentioned the school fee was overdue by ten days. The nights were chill these days and his mom’s request for a blanket remained unmet for a month. His immediate concern was, however, to earn enough to buy groceries.

He wiped his old car clean, lit a joss stick in front of Ma Kali’s picture on the dashboard, and said a quick prayer. He saw movement among other drivers as the train hooted. The prepaid taxi counter closed by 10 PM, and drivers scrambled for passengers. Biren stood apart, worried as the arriving passengers dwindled, and thoughts of his starving family came to mind.

Just then, an elderly gentleman looking tired with a bag on his shoulder and a suitcase approached. 

“Baba, let me take your box and bag. I will take you wherever you want to go. Please, come with me and get into the car,” requested Biren

As he started the car, he asked, “Where to?”

“Lake Market. Once you reach there, I’ll direct you. I’ve never seen anyone take a passenger without asking first for the destination. You seem like a good person.”

“Thanks, Baba. I don’t usually ask. Today, wherever you wished to go, I would have taken you.”

“What’s special today?”

“Since morning, I’ve had only a few rides, mostly minimum fare. My wife asked me not to come home without enough money for groceries.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Don’t worry, I’ll pay you two hundred rupees more than the fare. Tomorrow is a festive day, and I have no family or children. Are you in the Lake Market area?”

“No, Baba. Pay me the due fare. I don’t wish to take more.”

“You seem a strange but good type. I’m not feeling well. Let me rest for a while.” He dropped a five hundred rupee note on the front seat telling Biren, “Keep this with you. Return the balance after taking the extra two hundred rupees,” and reclined in the back seat.

“Why now? What’s the hurry?” Biren protested mildly, but the man rested with closed eyes. He seemed asleep as they passed Victoria Memorial. Nearing Kalighat and Lake Market, Biren called, “Baba, we’re almost there. Wake up for directions.”

There was no reply. Worried, he asked again in vain and stopped the vehicle near the tram depot and nudged him. The man fell to his side to his shock. Biren quickly turned the car towards the adjacent Ramakrishna Mission Hospital. The doctors found him in highly critical condition and decided to rush him to ICU.

As the ward boys started pushing the stretcher to the ICU, Biren inserted Rs.150 in the passenger’s pocket instead of Rs.140 which was due to him. He explained to the staff the happenings and left the man’s belongings with the hospital and gave his contact details.

After a week, Biren got a surprise call from the hospital informing him that the patient had recovered thanks to the treatment at the nick of time and that the patient desired to meet him.

Later that day, when Biren met the patient, he introduced himself as Mr. Rao, and said with tears,” I learned from the attending doctors that you have literally saved me from the jaws of death by bringing me to a hospital without the slightest delay. I am under immense debt of gratitude to you. I got my box and belongings including the balance fare of Rs,150 meticulously inserted in my pocket. Frankly, I have never come across such a kind and honest person in my life.”

For the curious readers who may like to know how Mr. Rao repaid his debt, I can confide, on conditions of anonymity, that Biren got a brand-new vehicle of the latest model for a taxi, an undisclosed tidy sum for improving his living conditions and an assurance of full assistance till graduation for his two children.

 “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not”-Oprah Winfrey